Daily encouragement in your Christian walk until, as the Apostle Paul writes,"Christ is formed in you" (Galatians 4:19, NIV).

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

God Equips the Called. P.S. You’re Called

By Allen White

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way before you.”

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Matthew 11:7-15

John the Baptist was an unlikely leader. He lived in the wilderness, not in a quaint cabin or a posh RV. From his description, we might assume he just slept on the ground or in a cave (Matthew 3:1-6). John wore animal skins. He ate bugs and honey. There was something wild and rustic about John. He was the contrast to the wealthy, well-heeled religious leaders.

John’s message was repentance. He challenged every sinner to repent – even the religious ones. John was the last of a dying breed. He was the last prophet.

As unconventional as John appeared, he was exactly the person God sent to carry the message. His ministry had been prophesied by Malachi centuries before (Malachi 3:1). John’s ministry fulfilled a prophecy pointing to the Messiah.

God uses all kinds of people. In fact, over the years, I’ve discovered that some of the most unlikely people make some of the best leaders. God equips His people in ways suitable to their callings. He doesn’t call the equipped as much as He equips the called.

What has God called you to do? What excuses are keeping you from doing it? Moses said he wasn’t a good speaker, so God gave Moses a partner in Aaron. Your reluctance isn’t a sign of inability as much as it’s a lack of faith in the God Who called you. But, there’s an easy solution, God will give you the faith you need to accomplish His Will. You must need to ask.